the dynamic duo
INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED GUIDES
When you join Savanna Greens, you're placing your adventure in the hands of two of the industry's most accomplished professionals. As internationally recognised expedition guides with decades of combined experience, Jess and Matt bring unparalleled expertise to every aspect of your journey.
Their professional partnership began at Welgevonden Game Reserve, where they collaborated on impressive wildlife projects—from rhino notching and elephant collaring to anti-poaching initiatives and high-profile game captures.
Now expedition lecturers and certified rifle handlers with Silversea Cruises, they share their expertise across all seven continents and more than 40 countries (and counting). Savanna Greens represents the natural evolution of their combined expertise: a unique experience blending luxury golf with immersive conservation travel.
Drawing on their complementary strengths, they've created tours that showcase African bushveld beauty while deepening guests' connection to the landscapes they explore.
MATTHEW THORP
BTech Nature Conservation
Matthew's bond with the African bushveld has shaped his career: from studying elephants at Welgevonden Game Reserve to reintroducing spotted hyena at Tumbeta Private Game Reserve after a 70-year absence, and later serving as Science Officer at Karongwe, combining fieldwork with conservation strategy. Now a Polar Expedition Guide with Silversea Cruises, he applies his B-Tech in Nature Conservation across the Arctic and Antarctica.
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Matt has always dabbled in many hobbies, yet two passions remain constant: his love for the African bush and an admittedly unhealthy obsession with golf. Discovering the game just five years ago, Matt found something deeper than sport – golf offered a rare opportunity to be fully present in nature.
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Working in the Greater Kruger region, he discovered wilderness-based golf courses where fairways weave through wild landscapes and your soundtrack includes birdsong and distant roars. This is where the connection became clear: both golf and the wild invite stillness, awareness, and a slower pace.
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Today, Matt plays not just for the challenge, but for the experience – an invitation to reconnect with the natural world, one swing at a time.
JESS OOSTHUYSE
BSc (hons) Biodiversity and Ecology
Jess grew up just outside the Kruger National Park, where a deep love for the bushveld took root early. After earning her BSc (Hons) in Biodiversity and Ecology from Stellenbosch University, she dove into frontline conservation, managing a major anti-rhino poaching project at Welgevonden Game Reserve and supporting environmental education efforts.
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These early experiences sparked a passion for storytelling as a tool for change, leading her into the world of conservation communications. From shaping the identity of Tumbeta Private Game Reserve to working on climate adaptation with C4 EcoSolutions, Jess has always found ways to bridge science and audience connection through compelling narratives and visual storytelling.
Now a lecturer and expedition guide for Silversea Cruises, Jess blends her ecological insight with creativity. Whether she’s interpreting icy polar vistas or the African bushveld, she brings warmth, clarity, and perspective to every journey.
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Jess has many hobbies, none of which are golf. But she appreciates Matt’s enthusiasm for the game. Instead of swinging a club, Jess prefers to handle the admin and logistics side of the business. She also lends her ecological expertise and storytelling flair to every Savanna Greens journey, offering meaningful interpretation for all guests who prefer exploring at a slower rhythm.